Milwaukee, WI – The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation announced today that it awarded over $12 million in 2021 to organizations throughout Wisconsin, the majority of which went to those based in the Milwaukee area. This year’s giving builds on the Foundation’s legacy of strengthening the institutions of civil society, such as families, schools, and the arts.
“There is no shortage of challenges throughout the country today, which makes the role of civil society ever more critical,” said Rick Graber, president of The Bradley Foundation. “The work of Bradley grantees reflects a belief in the dignity of each person and the richness of a vibrant community. Grantees are the problem solvers, the passionate leaders, and the unsung heroes in the Milwaukee area and beyond.”
Since its establishment in 1985, the Foundation has made over 14,000 grants totaling over $1.2 billion to more than 2,000 organizations. Of that, over $400 million has gone to groups within Wisconsin.
The Foundation’s commitment to the Milwaukee area is rooted in the values of the brothers for which it is named, Lynde and Harry Bradley. Founders of the former Allen-Bradley Company, the brothers and their families were among the city’s leading philanthropists, giving generously to education, the arts, health care and youth programs.
“Americans have a uniquely innate propensity to give back, a character the Bradleys exemplified,” said Graber. “As stewards of their incredible gift, the Foundation goes to great lengths to ensure that the groups we support are having an impact. We’re pleased to highlight their work, which is often done with little fanfare, but tremendous drive and sense of purpose.”
The following are highlights among the 112 outstanding Bradley Foundation grant recipients within Wisconsin throughout 2021.
ARTS & CULTURE
Milwaukee County Historical Society: $25,000 to support general operations. The Society collects, preserves, and makes available materials relating to the history of the Milwaukee community as a whole. The Society’s archival collection has 75,000 objects and over one million photographs and documents. The collection is an essential resource for historians. Its numerous programs and exhibits promote a greater appreciation for the city and county’s heritage.
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design: $150,000 to support institutional growth. In recent years, under the leadership of its current president, Jeff Morin, MIAD has significantly increased its enrollment, expanded its academic programs, and improved its student retention and graduation rates. The Institute plays an important role in supporting a vibrant fine arts community and keeps Milwaukee at the forefront of the ever-changing relationship between industry and design.
COMMUNITIES & FAMILIES
Lighthouse Youth Center: $100,000 to support general operations. Through its neighborhood-based centers, Lighthouse helps children develop a healthy moral framework for making decisions about their lives and encourages them to become involved, responsible citizens, excel academically, and serve as models of Christian love. Lighthouse’s three campuses are located in and serve distinct neighborhoods on Milwaukee’s north and south side.
Teens Grow Greens: $500,000 to support a capital campaign and $15,000 to support general operations. Teens Grow Greens uses gardening as a vehicle for middle- and high-school students to gain work experience, develop leadership skills, earn income, and participate in the creation of a community of mutual support. Its new capital development, The Green Acre, will furnish space for expanded growing areas, a teaching kitchen, and space to expand its internship and apprenticeship programs.
EDUCATION
TransCenter for Youth: $45,000 for the Driving Dreams Early College Program. TransCenter runs El Puente High School, Escuela Verde, Shalom High School, and the Northwest Opportunities Vocational Academy, all in Milwaukee. The Driving Dreams program is a dual credit program in which students from all four schools can earn college credit as part of their high school studies.
Yeshiva Elementary School: $25,000 to support a capital campaign and $30,000 to support general operations. Yeshiva Elementary School is a K-8 school serving over 200 students in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park neighborhood. The capital campaign will help Yeshiva make updates to its campus that will allow it to better fulfill the needs of its families and the community.
About The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Founded in 1985, the Milwaukee-based Bradley Foundation supports organizations that strengthen families and communities, inform and educate citizens, advance economic growth and encourage self-reliance. The Foundation’s approach to philanthropy is guided by four core principles: fidelity to the Constitution with its principles of limited government, federalism, separation of powers, and individual liberties; commitment to free markets; dedication to the formation of informed and capable citizens; and commitment to the institutions of civil society that cultivate individuals capable of self-governance.
